Thibaut Courtois Set to Extend Real Madrid Contract Until 2028

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to extend his contract by a further 12 months through to the summer of 2028. The Belgium international’s current deal in the Spanish capital expires at the end of the current campaign, but an agreement in principle is in place for fresh terms that will cover the 2027-28 season.

Courtois is in his ninth season at Madrid, whom he joined from Chelsea in the summer of 2018, and has won 12 trophies with the club including three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues. The 34-year-old has established himself as not only Madrid’s No 1 but one of the world’s best goalkeepers, keeping 98 clean sheets in La Liga.

Courtois is Jose Mourinho’s first-choice goalkeeper in La Liga and Champions League match, with deputy Andriy Lunin often selected for Copa del Rey matches. He has made 115 appearances for Belgium, but indicated he would be taking a break from selection for Mark van Bommel’s side’s Nations League campaign, with Senne Lammens of Manchester United selected in his place.

Courtois’ contract extension makes perfect sense from both a sporting and a team-culture perspective. Despite the serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury he suffered in 2023, the Belgian remains, in the eyes of everyone at Madrid, the best goalkeeper in the world. 

It is no coincidence that his work ethic is highly praised internally at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground. Nor is it a coincidence that he has agreed with Belgium manager Van Bommel, not to play in the Nations League in order to prioritise his performances for Madrid. Added to this is his conduct and being regarded as one of the leaders in a dressing room where there have been recurring issues with discipline and professionalism.

With Courtois, there have been no such issues and, although Madrid have been scouting the goalkeeper market for some time with a view to the future, there is no rush because the former Chelsea star’s status is still intact.